Encephalartos longifolius (Zuurberg Cycad)

Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this cycad grows in varied habitats, including fynbos, grassland and succulent thicket. Long leaves carry numerous narrow leaflets whose margins are usually smooth, although a few teeth may occur near the lower edge. Male and female cones develop on separate plants. Male cones are elongated and greenish brown, while female cones are broad and olive green. The exceptionally large female cones are among the heaviest produced by South African cycads. Several populations occur in protected mountain landscapes. It is classified as Near Threatened, with illegal collection threatening wild populations. The seeds are poisonous. Photographed in Florida.